What does "judicial review" refer to in the context of Georgia law?

Judicial review refers to the power of courts to evaluate the actions of legislative and executive branches to determine their constitutionality and compliance with state laws. In Georgia law, this concept allows the judiciary to act as a check on the other branches of government, ensuring that their actions do not violate fundamental rights or legal standards.

This process is essential for maintaining the rule of law, as it helps to uphold the principles outlined in the Georgia Constitution. Courts may invalidate laws or actions that are found to be unconstitutional, thus preserving the rights of individuals and ensuring that government powers are not exercised beyond their legal boundaries. The ability to engage in judicial review is a key aspect of the separation of powers within the government.

Other options do not accurately capture the concept of judicial review. The appointment of judges is related to how the judicial system is structured but does not pertain to the function of reviewing actions. Settling civil lawsuits involves dispute resolution rather than assessing legislative or executive actions. An appeal to higher courts is a separate legal process focused on reviewing cases rather than the constitutionality of government actions.